Idaho Fire Season Predicted To Be Normal

(AP) Idaho expects a normal fire season - for now -- as much of the west braces for an active and dangerous season. The state's mountain ranges have normal snowpack, reservoirs are dumping water for snowmelt and early spring has brought more rain and snow, even in the desert-like south. Federal wildfire analyst Jeremy Sullens cautions early predictions can change with spring precipitation and the growth of grasses and plants that provide initial fuel for forest and rangeland fires. Colorado had a deadly wildfire last month. Other Western states have reported hundreds of smaller fires. Federal meteorologists say nearly all of the Southwest is experiencing drought. And that's coming off a year in which Arizona and New Mexico experienced their worst wildfires on record.